On the Radio

No Choice: Florida Charter Schools and Students with Disabilities

Charter schools are supposed to accept students regardless of ability…but in Florida, many are not.

Charter schools are designed to be an alternative for students who aren’t happy with their neighborhood school. But an investigation by StateImpact Florida and the Miami Herald found that charter schools aren’t an option for many students with severe disabilities.

Only 14 percent of charter schools serve kids with severe disabilities, compared to half of traditional public schools.

StateImpact Florida reporters Sarah Gonzalez and John O’Connor tell us the story behind their investigation, and the impact it is having.

We also talk with Kathleen McGrory of the Miami Herald. She and reporter Scott Hiaasen published “Cashing in on Kids,” a six-month investigation into charter schools.